After one of the most successful tennis careers for an Indian, Sania Mirza the cynosure of millions, receives a heartwarming send-off in her hometown amidst fans, family, friends, and sporting personalities. Notably Sania hails from Hyderabad where she started her tennis journey over two decades ago. The magnanimous event saw the legend play a series of friendly matches with renowned tennis stars like Rohan Bopanna, Ivan Dodig, Bethanie Mattek-Sands, Cara Black, Marion Bartoli. The exhibition matches were attended by her family, dignitaries from the State Government, prominent personalities such as Yuvraj Singh, Ananya Birla, Huma Qureshi, MC Stan, DGP Anjani Kumar, DQ Salman, Mohammad Azharuddin, KT Ramarao, Srinivas Goud, CV Anand, Kiran Rijigu, Jayesh Rajan, Sandeep Sultania, Avinash Gowarikar, Punit Malhotra, Diana Penty, Robin Uthappa, Rakshanda Khan, students of Sania Mirza Tennis Academy and tennis fans from all over the country.
Sania Mirza's last match was a fitting tribute to her incredible career. It was filled with entertainment, excitement, and nostalgia as fans bid farewell to one of India's greatest tennis players. While Sania may be retiring from professional tennis, but her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of tennis players in the country as transitions to take on the role of a coach and mentor to budding tennis stars!
An emotional Sania Mirza shared, "I have achieved more than I could have ever imagined in my career, and I am grateful for every moment on the court. I have always wanted to play and express my gratitude by playing my last match in front of my home crowd in Hyderabad, and I’m so thankful to the Government of Telangana for making this happen."
Govt. of Telangana and Sports Authority of Telangana State:
“It is an absolute pleasure and an honor to host Sania Mirza as she steps on the tennis court as a professional player one last time on home turf. While she has made every Indian proud on multiple occasions, her attachment towards her home crowd at Hyderabad is incomparable. It is our endeavor to develop world-class sports infrastructure and foster young talent who go on and make the country proud following Sania’s legacy.”
Jalachari Ella, Head Corp Strategy, Bharat Biotech:
"Sania Mirza has had a positive influence on a whole generation of young athletes especially young girls now aspiring to great heights in the sports of their choice.
It was our privilege to be associated with Sania’s grand farewell - Having made India proud , this is a perfect send off to a fulfilling sporting career!"
Tanla:
"It is our privilege to be a part of Sania's farewell ceremony. Today, Sania has set a benchmark and very high standards. through her achievements, She has proved that nothing is impossible. Today's generation is extremely competitive and looking for success and it is extremely important to guide and mentor them. We are sure under her guidance, more youngsters will pick up tennis as a career option especially women athletes."
KT Rama Rao, Minister for IT & Urban Development:
“In a country like India which was erstwhile known to be a male dominated sporting society, Sania Mirza led the journey and paved the path for women across sports. She is an invincible force and inspiration to all the young girls of the country who aspire to make a career in sports and represent the nation.”
Srinivas Goud, Minister for Sports, Telangana:
“I extend my warmest wishes to Sania Mirza to set foot in the next phase of her life and congratulate her on her splendid career. Her contribution to the Indian sports has been exemplary and she has been a torchbearer in the truest sense. Sania has set a strong foundation for women in sports and will be a visual treat for the crowds of Hyderabad to see her in action in her last match. I’m happy to be part of this momentous occasion and we will ensure that the event is a fitting tribute to her accomplished career."
Rohan Bopanna, Indian Tennis Player:
"Sania Mirza has been an exceptional athlete and a true ambassador of Indian tennis. It was a privilege for me to have played with her and won many tournaments for the country. Her contributions to Indian tennis have been immense, and she has always been a great partner and friend. I wish her all the best and I am sure she will instill the high values she has demonstrated in her career to the next generation of Indian tennis."
Sania Mirza’s family:
"As a family, we are extremely proud of Sania and everything she has achieved in her career. We are delighted that the city of Hyderabad will witness her last game before she hangs her boots. It is a perfect farewell for someone who has given so much to the sport and inspired so many young tennis players. Our support will always be with her and we are confident that she will continue make us proud."
A post match ceremony will be held at Trident, Hitec City, Hyderabad on 5th March, 7:30pm onwards. The gala dinner will witness eminent personalities such as Allu Arjun, Ananya Birla, Mahesh Babu, Namrata Shirodkar, Nagarjuna, Yuvraj Singh, Zaheer Khan, Sagarika Ghatge, AR Rahman, DQ Salman to name a few.
